"Then comes the fourth obstacle: the fear of realizing the dream for which we fought all our lives.
Oscar Wilde said: 'Each man kills the thing he loves.' And it's true. The mere possibility of getting what we want fills the soul of the ordinary person with guilt. We look around at all those who have failed to get what they want and feel that we do not deserve to get what we want either." ~ The Alchemist
This quote feels entirely too real, to familiar and too senseless to me. I'm removing this ridiculous agreement from my being... no matter how many attempts it takes.
I have an idea, a dream, a vision, if you will... A hope for a country who knows and understands... and assumes... the promises of the Constitution, the Declaration and the Bill of Rights...
A country which expects, demands and strives for health, happiness and freedom! I think we called it Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness once.
It's an idea so great that we've been exporting this American Dream to the rest of the world quite prolifically. It's too sad that we don't seem to know what it means or feels like anymore.
From where I stand I can't see these things in practice. I can see a lot of illness, a striving for a dream which seems to be out of reach for so many - no matter how they work.
I can see depression instead of happiness. Sadness so rampant that we consider it normal to need therapy and drugs just to get by. Depression and angst fill the youth, the music, the art... the lives of the people falling through the cracks that seem to be so appreciable now.
I see it more clearly than ever because for the first time in my life I am not suffering those things anymore.
The American Dream seems within my grasp. I can see a clear and simple path for the people. I see change from the ground up. Happiness, health, life, freedom, time, spirituality and hobbies even! I see it all, right there for the taking, and I want to share the secret. Only, it isn't a secret at all. It's simply a belief (and a Right!!) that we forgot that we had!
I have ideas which make people weep at the thought of them, a literal plan of action and I want to impart them to you because I think you will believe in them too.
I am in the process of breaking myself open... blowing away the fears that bind me... and consciously stepping back onto the path that has been in front of me all along.
Weeeeeee!
This might be a slightly bumpy ride ;-)
Fun though....
xoxox
7 comments:
I wonder if the problem is with "The American Dream"?
The Modern American Dream anyway...
"I am in the process of breaking myself open... blowing away the fears that bind me... and consciously stepping back onto the path that has been in front of me all along."
Aimee, this really resonates with me. Seeking self-knowledge and growth, even when it requires us to face our pain, is such a courageous journey. The journey is not lazy but it is also not perfectionist. We do not avoid or deny the trials but we also do not let them consume us. Movement in the path is hard work yet entertains us and nurtures our curiosities (which in turn also promotes our growth).
I think the problem is bigger than a concept like the "American Dream." Instant gratification presents itself in so many forms. But these problems/dilemmas/challenges provide us with opportunities to further understand our principles and stretch ourselves to live by them. And, thankfully this learning is a fluid and a life long process.
One of the secrets I am understanding is simply "living in the present." This alone goes a long way and yet it is so hard for us to do.
You and I share the same vision of a life of simplicity and homesteading but I gotta tell you gosh darn it, it takes more to accomplish than just knowing or understanding it. I have spent years researching it, freeing my mind, and living outside the box so to speak. Nevertheless without certain resources to purchase land, build or buy home, (even a simple one, etc.), it could take me the rest of my life to see it happen.
I guess I just don't see it as a piece to the puzzle I'm missing so much as the resources to see it to fruition, even on the most basic level.
We are all in different circumstances and what helps one person achieve that dream may not work for another. Unfortunately.
If however your secret has to do with inner work and states of mind about being happy with where we already are I'm all ears:)
"If however your secret has to do with inner work and states of mind about being happy with where we already are I'm all ears:)"
You betcha... couldn't exactly recommend that everyone move to the country and homestead!
Living more simply has become one of our family mantras since I was laid off more than a year ago. Funny thing, we've never been happier.
I never owned a big house w/fence and double garage,... I suppose I do have materials that some do not, like a house, truck, and stuff...etc...but now, I see what is really important...faith, hope, love, and family. Have RV..will travel the American Dream of Freedom....
Robert
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